Total Security Theater Stupidity, Amsterdam
We caught a 7:15 plane from Paris to our connecting flight to LA from Amsterdam, went through security, got on the plane, and then...were told to get off the plane because somebody left some door open for a little while in the airport.
Then, we went through security AGAIN. Idiocy.
Meanwhile, this is the airport that let the pantybomber through.
Also, we ended up with two gray iPads in Gregg's bag. I think this was my fault. At the first "security" check, I was trying to help him gather his stuff and I think I gave him some other guy's iPad after he'd already collected his (because they both had the standard Apple cover).
The second time we went through, they forced Gregg to go through the scanner and get groped, and I gathered all his stuff and put it in his bag. When I showed him that everything was in there, I noticed it was more than *everything* -- as we had two gray iPads in there. I told a security lady chop-chop and a very grateful man came to collect it. (I apologized to him -- told him it was probably my fault; that I probably picked it up thinking it was my boyfriend's; but he was just thrilled to have it back and very sweet about it.)
Anyway, this shows you how easy it is for people to unintentionally leave with other people's stuff. Which shows you how little security there actually is at airports. And which also shows how disgusting the TSA's little intimidation move is -- leaving your stuff out on the belt while you get groped and saying they just don't have personnel to watch it.
Gregg got groped? Do the TSA operate outside of the US, or is this just Holland's bunch of numbskulls?
mpetrie98 at November 29, 2012 2:14 AM
Amy Alkon
http://www.advicegoddess.com/archives/2012/11/29/total_security.html#comment-3493247">comment from mpetrie98We both did. I think the U.S. ridiculousness has caught on elsewhere.
I'm on limited wifi waiting for our plane to take off. Will write more when we land if there's anything left of me, jetlag-wise.
Amy Alkon
at November 29, 2012 2:26 AM
I don't fly much anymore, but I think most European airports separate US-bound flights, so that the US can do its own security thing. This means going through security twice: once the airport's normal security, to get into the international departures area. Then a second time, especially for the US, to get into the section of gates reserved for US-bound flights.
I expect that the security people work for the local airport, or possibly for the local airline office. However, they have to follow procedures dictated by the TSA.
bradley13 at November 29, 2012 2:31 AM
So very right. Very little security; only the illusion of it. Plenty enough to keep the sheep pacified.
Joe at November 29, 2012 2:51 AM
Partly offtopic: A fun twitter thread. Click "View conversation"
Crid [Cridcomment at Gmail] at November 29, 2012 7:44 AM
Were the agents who patted you down wearing name tags?
Insufficient Poison at November 29, 2012 7:47 AM
My Dutch friend, who opts out of the "see me naked" machines, says you can not opt out in Europa. The US rules travel far but not the rights!
I will say the Schiphol securty who found the hunting knife I forgot in my carry on bag were very understanding. They just kept it.
cocofiets at November 29, 2012 8:39 AM
We both did. I think the U.S. ridiculousness has caught on elsewhere.
It may be more common now but I actually got felt up in Europe many times before it became standard practice in the U.S. They set their scanners to high sensitivity and an underwire bra appears to be enough to set it off.
Astra at November 29, 2012 9:32 AM
Traveling within Europe is very different than going to the US, though the last time I went to Boston they seemed to have relaxed things in Zurich and I didn't have to go through a second time. Very unusual.
NicoleK at November 29, 2012 10:37 AM
I always recomend packing food stuffs you know will be stolen and lacing it with cyanide
lujlp at November 29, 2012 12:05 PM
My most thorough airport pat downs have been at CDG. Those ladies did not hold back.
Insufficient Poison at November 29, 2012 2:16 PM
The question that I have is that you weren't considered as being in the sterile area. Considering the size of the Netherlands, they should have you in the sterile area from beginning to end.
Jim P. at November 29, 2012 7:40 PM
Question: If the TSA is so effective, why is anyone on a "no-fly" list?
Radwaste at November 30, 2012 8:02 AM
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